Acute Effects of Dietary Nitrate on Central Pressure and Endothelial Function in Hypertensive Patients: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study

Abstract Background The diet’s inorganic nitrate (NO3–) may provide a physiological substrate for reducing nitrate (NO2–) to NO independent of the endothelium. Studies suggest that inorganic NO3– has beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. Objective This study evaluated the acute effects of 500 mL nitrate-rich beetroot juice (BRJ; containing 11.5mmol NO3–) on blood pressure and endothelial function in treated hypertensive patients. Methods A randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study was conducted in treated hypertensive patients (n=37; women=62%) who underwent clinical and nutritional evaluation and assessment of central hemodynamic parameters and microvascular reactivity. The significance level was p